Lake Geneva

Crescent-shaped Lake Geneva (or Lac Léman) lies between France and Switzerland, with the Alps as a backdrop.

Canton Vaud includes much of the mountainous area to the north of Lake Geneva. It is the most powerful French-speaking canton economically and politically.

There was a lot of unrest in the neighbourhood back in the day. After being ruled for two centuries by Bernese bailiffs, the canton was returned to the Vaudois in 1798 thanks to a revolution backed by France. Napoleon recognized the significance of the conflict by establishing a new canton there.

Vaud officially became a member of Switzerland in 1803. Cities and towns all around the country continue to fly the green and white flag with the inscription “Liberté et Patrie” on it.

The area has a really French atmosphere. Once hostile to Catholic France, the population now longs to join the European Union.

The Swiss-German cities of the Mittelland are separated by more than simply language during the short rail ride. It covers a vast emotional landscape.

Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) facts and figures

Basic Facts

• Name: Lake Geneva

• French Name: Lac Léman

• Type: Alpine, glacial lake

• Located In: Switzerland (mainly) and France (smaller portion)

Size & Dimensions

• Length: ~73 km (45 miles)

• Width: Up to 14 km (8.7 miles)

• Surface Area: ~580 km² (224 sq miles)

  • Switzerland: ~60%

  • France: ~40%

• Average Depth: ~154 m (505 ft)

• Maximum Depth: ~310 m (1,017 ft)

• Volume: ~89 km³ of water

• Altitude: ~372 m (1,220 ft) above sea level

Geography

• Inflow: Mainly the Rhône River (from the east)

• Outflow: Rhône River (at Geneva, west)

• Shape: Crescent or arc-shaped

• Regions Touched:

  • Swiss cantons: Vaud, Valais, Geneva

  • French department: Haute-Savoie

Major Towns & Cities on the Lake

• Switzerland:

  • Geneva

  • Lausanne

  • Montreux

  • Vevey

  • Nyon

• France:

  • Évian-les-Bains

  • Thonon-les-Bains

  • Yvoire

Transport & Activities

• Boat Services: Regular passenger boats operated by CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation)

• Water Sports: Sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing

• Cruises: Scenic cruises, dinner boats, and historic steamboats

• Beaches & Promenades: Public swimming spots in most towns, especially Lausanne, Montreux, and Geneva

Environment & Wildlife

• Water Quality: High; used for drinking water in many towns

• Fauna: Perch, trout, pike, and numerous bird species

• Flora: Vineyards (especially the Lavaux region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site) line the Swiss northern shore

Culture & Tourism

• Montreux Jazz Festival: World-famous event held every July on the lake’s shore

• Chillon Castle: Historic lakeside fortress near Montreux

• UN Headquarters: Lake Geneva ends at the city of Geneva, home to many international organizations

• Wine Region: Lavaux and La Côte vineyards along the Swiss shore

Fun Fact

• In winter, under certain cold conditions, the “bise” wind can cause lake spray to freeze onshore, covering everything in ice sculptures.

Lake Geneva is more than just beautiful—it’s a crossroads of culture, history, nature, and international life, surrounded by mountains, vineyards, and some of Switzerland’s best-known cities.